Annual Aurora Showcase planned for April 5

Aurora -- The annual Aurora Business and Community Showcase is April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aurora High School.

The event is free and open to the public.

"Planning an event as large as the showcase requires coordination between the Chamber of Commerce, city of Aurora and Aurora schools," said Laura Holman, executive director of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. "The schools maintain an extremely busy schedule for use of their facilities, and we appreciate their support at this community event.

The showcase is taking place about a month later than it did last year.

"Having the event in April made the most sense for our collective calendars," Holman said. "As it turns out, since spring decided to make a rather late arrival, we get the chance to gather people together and welcome in the season with a much-needed day of free entertainment and community involvement."

About 55 registered exhibitors are expected. Holman said there will be "great entertainment provided by talented children and adults -- from the youngest preschool performers to our adult thespians from Aurora Community Theatre.

"The great thing about this showcase is the diversity of participants. Everyone attending will be able to meet and talk to representatives from area businesses, city departments and non-profit organizations," she said. "Every booth will provide its own information, activities and giveaways."

The schedule of performers includes the Aurora Children's Day Center at about 10:15 a.m., Aurora High School pop a capella group at 10:45, Hope Christian Nursery School at 11:15, Aurora Community Theatre at 11:45 and Aurora School of Music at 12:15 p.m., while the Easter Bunny and Swifty the Clown also will be on hand.

The Aurora Choir Boosters will offer concessions for sale, and vendors from Red Rock Farmers Market will be on hand to inject a much-needed dose of spring offerings, she said. The Chamber of Commerce will have forms available to nominate a person of the year and business of the year.

Holman believes the event is special because of the people who work and live in Aurora, which was named one of the five best hometowns in the state by Ohio Magazine in November.

"This winter has been tough, and the showcase is perfectly timed to provide everyone in the community to get out of the house, come together and celebrate what makes our community so special," she said.

Everyone entering the showcase will be given a free tote from the Chamber of Commerce and tickets to enter a prize drawing. A variety of prizes will be provided by local businesses. Winners will be selected throughout the event, and winning tickets will be posted.

Also, the city and the Chamber are planning on launching a new "welcome basket" called Embrace Aurora. See related story on Page ......?

"I hope everyone has a great time," Holman said. "We have a lot to celebrate in our community, and the Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide this opportunity."